Hochul’s DEC Gives Greenidge Crucial Time Window to Expand Bitcoin Mining Before It Rules on Air Permit Renewal

We learned last week that a decision expected at the end of January on the Greenidge facility's Title V Air Permit Renewal has been postponed through March 31st, with the possibility now on the table for a costly and lengthy adjudicatory process which could, in effect, take years.  In the meantime, Greenidge is expanding its operations despite a legal proceeding and an injunction to halt construction until that proceeding is heard in front of a judge.  

Now is the time to call our dedicated hotline, urging Governor Hochul to deny Greenidge's permit and adopt a statewide moratorium on crypto mining while we study its impacts on air, water, climate and sustainable jobs: (866)-942-5138.

It's also time to help Seneca Lake Guardian prepare for an adjudicatory hearing that could cost upwards of $100,000. Please send your donation of any amount to Seneca Lake Guardian. We simply cannot let this multi-billion dollar corporation exploit our natural resources for private financial gain without a fight.

Below please find an article by Peter Mantius that explains the recent turn of events.

"In a private agreement with Greenidge Generation LLC, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s environmental regulators awarded the company a crucial two-month window to install thousands of new Bitcoin mining rigs at its Dresden power plant before they rule on renewing its long-expired air emissions permits.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation says it delayed its permitting decision from Jan. 31 to Mar. 31 to “complete its ongoing review” of about 4,000 public comments on the case.

The postponement severely undercuts state efforts to control greenhouse gas emissions and clashes with DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos’ own declaration last fall that “Greenidge has not shown compliance with New York’s 2019 climate law.”

Last week’s DEC decision drew harsh criticism from groups who have pressed Hochul to declare a statewide moratorium on energy-intensive “proof-of-work” cryptocurrency facilities such as the Dresden plant. 

“This delay from the DEC is not benign,” Seneca Lake Guardian said yesterday. “Every day that Gov. Hochul and Commissioner Seggos drag their feet on this (permitting) decision is another day for Greenidge to continue expanding operations.”

Robert Howarth, a member of the state’s Climate Action Council, which helps implement 2019 Community Leadership and Climate Protection Act, called the delay “disappointing. I hope that the DEC in the end will make the correct decision and deny the air permit. Time will tell…”

Please, call Governor Hochul today (866)-942-5138, and donate what you can to support our efforts to protect and preserve the region.